Can I Play ARK with People on Different Systems?
Playing ARK: Survival Evolved with friends across different systems can be a challenging endeavor, but it’s certainly possible with the right setup and a bit of patience. Whether you’re on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, or Nintendo Switch, this guide will help you understand the ins and outs of playing ARK with friends on different platforms.
Understanding Cross-Platform Play
Cross-platform play is the ability to play games with friends who are using different devices. In the case of ARK, cross-platform play is available between PC and PlayStation 4, PC and Xbox One, and PC and Nintendo Switch. However, it’s important to note that cross-platform play is not available between PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, nor is it available between PlayStation 4 and Nintendo Switch.
Here’s a quick overview of the cross-platform play options for ARK:
| Platforms | Cross-Platform Play |
|---|---|
| PC & PlayStation 4 | Yes |
| PC & Xbox One | Yes |
| PC & Nintendo Switch | Yes |
| PlayStation 4 & Xbox One | No |
| PlayStation 4 & Nintendo Switch | No |
Setting Up Cross-Platform Play
Before you can start playing ARK with friends on different systems, you’ll need to set up cross-platform play. Here’s how to do it for each platform:
PC
1. Make sure you have the latest version of ARK installed on your PC.
2. Go to the ARK settings menu and enable cross-platform play.
3. Log in to your Steam account if you’re using Steam, or to your Epic Games account if you’re using Epic Games Store.
PlayStation 4
1. Go to the Settings menu on your PlayStation 4.
2. Select “System” and then “PlayStation Network.”
3. Under “Cross-Platform Play,” enable “Cross-Platform Play.”
4. Go to the ARK settings menu and enable cross-platform play.
Xbox One
1. Go to the Settings menu on your Xbox One.
2. Select “General” and then “Network.”
3. Under “Cross-Platform Play,” enable “Cross-Platform Play.”
4. Go to the ARK settings menu and enable cross-platform play.
Nintendo Switch
1. Go to the System Settings on your Nintendo Switch.
2. Select “System” and then “Console Information.”
3. Under “Cross-Platform Play,” enable “Cross-Platform Play.”
4. Go to the ARK settings menu and enable cross-platform play.
Playing ARK with Friends
Once you’ve set up cross-platform play, you can start playing ARK with your friends. Here are a few tips to ensure a smooth experience:
1. Make sure all players are on the same version of ARK. If not, you’ll need to update the game to the latest version.
2. Choose a server that supports cross-platform play. You can find these servers by searching for “ARK cross-platform servers” online.
3. Keep in mind that cross-platform play may have some limitations, such as different game modes or features not being available on all platforms.
4. If you encounter any issues, try restarting the game or your device, or check for any updates or patches that may have been released.
Conclusion
Playing ARK with friends on different systems is possible, but it requires a bit of setup and understanding of the limitations. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you should be able to enjoy ARK with your friends across various platforms. Happy gaming!
